BLUEBIRD PLAYS ON AFTER BABY’S BIRTH

NEIL Warnock lauded Joe Bennett for his display in Cardiff City’s stalemate with Derby after the full-back spent the majority of the night before the match looking after his newborn son, writes Ian Mitchelmore.

Bennett’s wife Cherie gave birth to little Jaxon Ché Bennett just two days before the Bluebirds’ clash with the Rams, a game that ended all-square as Cardiff made sure they will keep hold of top spot over the international break.

And Warnock heaped praise on the left-sided defender for his performance against Gary Rowett’s side, adding that he had to calm assistant manager Kevin Blackwell down when he yelled instructions at Bennett in the second half of the clash with the Rams.

“We had no (Aron) Gunnarsson and no (Craig) Bryson, those two have been quite instrumental,” said Warnock.

“(Joe) Rallsy wasn’t really fit and Joe Bennett’s wife gave birth yesterday, and I thought he had a fabulous game in the circumstances and I said he should stay up more often because I don’t think he had a flaw today in his defensive duties.

“Blacky shouted he wanted him to get up the wing, and I said ‘Blacky, he’s been up all night, you can’t expect miracles here.”

Cardiff carried a far greater attacking threat than the visitors who were well drilled and almost snatched victory at the death as Neil Etheridge pulled off a smart save to deny David Nugent from close range.

But Warnock’s troops had to settle for a share of the spoils, although a point extended their unbeaten run to four matches and ensured that the remain at the summit of the Championship after 11 league games.

And the Yorkshireman – who celebrates a year in-charge of the Bluebirds during the international break – admits the Cardiff faithful can’t get too downbeat after their side’s draw with Derby.

“I’m only partly disappointed because I thought it was there to be win,” added the Cardiff boss.

Big match analysis: Sports pullout